We had barely left the clearing before Cavalier Hawke, who like myself ignored the title placed upon our brow, began his questioning and teasing. I did not take it too harshly actually remembering how this was the same bantering playfulness that occurred between friends. like Meli and Sert, and even the Captains of the Royal Guards.
“Did she not offer that you stay by her side as her royal guardian if not her royal pet?” Hawke asked as I walked beside him along the trail heading northward. I sighed and nodded not truly wanting to explain the moments or events of our parting moments. “And you stilled refused her offer to give you everything including herself?” he continued. I nearly choked from shock at his words. “It was very clear to everyone how she truly deeply loved you squire of Atlantis.” he remarked at my reaction. “And do not tell me you did not feel the same for her.” he added more seriously.
“Sir Hawke,” I began but stopped releasing a strangling yowl in such a cat-like manner it actually surprised me. My shoulders slump as my mind tried to find a logical reason that could keep my heart from aching. For his part, the cavalier waited in silence to hear my answer. “My duties to Lord Kestrel must come first.” I finally stated with a hint of exasperation in my voice. “A throne is not what I am meant to sit upon as a Feline Royal Guard who sneaks around behind his Lord’s back.” I continued slowly. The comradery that had formed between Hawke and myself nearly had me revealing the darkest secret about the beastly Royal Guards of Atlantis, but I held it back. “It is not a place any of us animalistic beings should ever attempt filling.” I added hoping this would end this path of discussion.
“But as a Knighted hero of her lands, you are now nobility that would be accepted as a royal consort and her loving king.” he returned softly. I turned to glance at him seeing worry in his eyes. “The love you two share is not easy to find a second time, friend.” he continued slowly and quietly. I realized that this was advise based on his past learned with time. “I am just making sure you understand how deeply this decision may affect you, noble Redpath.” he added. The look of worry and sadness was easily noticeable in his eyes as he looked at me.
“You know that I do not have permissions to be here or to interfere as I have done.” I retorted using my previously revealed failing to excuse myself for walking away from Dia and the love we shared. “And I am unsure if mating with something like myself would give her pleasure or possibly harm her.” I continued pulling every possible problems bare for him to accept my refusal. I would not bring up the heavy coin purse now dangling from our waists nor the well crafted leather armor I now wore. “I can accept the gifts as rewards for my actions but the throne is not something she should hand away to the likes of me, cavalier.” I added with a hint of a growl in my voice.
“I understand how your duties and your code of honor holds you back but does your heart not yearn to be with her?” he asked directly. “I can tell you that her heart yearns to be with you as well.” he added softer.
“I know.” I interjected back. The growl died in my throat as my eyes meet his. “Sometimes, love must be set aside or hidden away to prove it’s truly strong.” I continued calmer. “Even my Lord Kestrel can put aside his heart to serve his duties as a mere Envoy for Atlantis.” I told him. “It has earn the Royal Guards treating him as a king without needing a throne.” I added with a half smile.
“Oh!” Hawke exclaimed as understanding dawned in his eyes. “You serve the untitled king of Atlantis?” he remarked shocked. “Now I understand why you are avoiding your feelings for her.” he continued slower. “Why did he not simply claim the throne and the woman he loves?” he added stunned.
“To prevent a civil war, to prevent challenging the Norse gods, to prevent causing death and chaos to spill forth from Atlantis into the world.” I enumerated as I had learned from the information I had heard since I could first take a step. “He wishes to protect Atlantis even if his heart burns in the process.” I continued more confidently. “Like him, my duty to serve and protect him are more important than my heart at this moment.” I concluded finally believing my words regretfully.
“You have chosen a very hard path to walk, squire.” Hawke returned with a sigh. “I believe Queen Diadem was correct naming you a Knight, sir Kestrel Redpath.” he stated with a soft chuckle. I humphed and yowled under my breath at being reminded of my newly acquired title. “A knight serves their lord’s will even if it grinds their heart to dust in the process.” he explained with a smirk. “That is why I am but a Cavalier and not a knight even if I have been handed the title a few times now.” he added laughing heartily.
With my laughter joining his, we continued along the pathway sharing comments and questionable remarks. The farmers, traveling merchants, and even peasants waved and greeted us warmly seemingly ignoring my feline features. When they would call the two of us heroes, Hawke would redirect that title solely upon my shoulders while stating he was only helping out a bit to the noble knight from Atlantis. I would glare and growl at him but he did not seem to take it seriously as a threat. The end of our first day of walking found us entering a small town where my cavalier companion seemed well known and respected. He lead us not to an inn but a house that reeked of alcohol, sweat, and bodily acts reserved to private moments.
“Why are you taking us here?” I asked as we approached the doors. The aroma of a carnal house was impossible to ignore as it filled my nostrils numbing my sense of smell. “If this place is what my nose is detecting, I do not believe I should be here.” I remarked pausing before entering. Hawke gave me a grin as he stopped and turned to face me fully.
“Yes, this is a house of prostitution but it offers the best accommodations shy of the castle.” he returned casually. The door opened as another blast of smells blended perfume and citrus to the preexisting stench filling my nose. “They will treat us properly without issues, I promise you this.” he continued with a smirk. A tall woman with long red hair and glowing red eyes appeared at the door smiling at us.
“Bringing a true friend this time, Hawke?” she asked in a deep husky voice. The cavalier stiffened at her voice turning slowly to face her. “He looks very nice in comparison to those soldier types that usually accompany you.” she remarked before turning her gaze upon me. The smell of brimstone made my nose crinkle while my eyes spotted the well hidden twin set of horns upon her head. “You are more than welcome to find protection and safety within my establishment Atlantian.” she added towards me.
“This is a bit of a surprise having you meet us at the door, Lady Rouge.” Hawke sputtered nervously. “She is the owner of this establishment. Queen’s Knight Kestrel.” he stated overly formally. He sudden shift from confident and courageous cavalier into a servant to myself was more than a surprise. “And I have the coins to pay for secluded private set of room for us as well.” he added subdued.
“Hawke partially misrepresents my importance.” I started explaining. A lone finger that felt hot touched my lips silencing me.
“Our kingdom’s hero need not explain themselves to me.” she whispered to me. I knew that Hawke had not heard her words spoken at the right volume for only myself to hear and understand. “No coins are required this once Hawke as you deserve a reward for helping the kingdom stand proud once more.” she told him directly. “And do not hide behind your furry friend with false servitude.” she added before taking us by the arm drawing us within her establishment quickly and without chance for us to escape. The warning thrill ran up my spine but it lessened as she guided us to a table where two servant held platters with food a drink for us.
“A pair of birds for us to feed and cuddle with.” one of the two serving woman stated smiling at us. I quickly examined the two women knowing that they were human, hopefully.
“A hawk and a kestrel make a good hunting duo indeed.” the other servant returned with a pleased smile. Their smile faltered slightly as Rouge cleared her throat.
“Hawke is all yours but the kitten is not to be touched since I wish to discuss matters with him, personally.” the lady ordered bluntly and directly. I could not help but swallow audibly at her interest in me. I doubted this was intentional betrayal by Hawke but it was a curious situation he had lead me into. “Eat, drink, and enjoy the entertainment noble gentlemen.” she announced merrily. Her red eyes did not show happiness exactly but a hint of mischievous glee that I had noticed when Dia or Meli, or other even Miss Hope, when they had a surprise or secret to spring upon someone, mostly myself. “I will return later for our discussion, lovely kitten.” she added before drifted away from the table.
“Hawke?” I half-growled to get his attention. “What was that about?” I asked softly. But his answer had to wait as the two women took places close beside us with the platters placed upon the table.
“Eat.” the one by my side stated holding a silvered fork with a piece of meat stuck to it’s points. She placed it be my lips suggesting I should open my mouth to be feed by her. I notice the other woman did the same to the cavalier who took the meat without hesitations. I followed suit more nervously than my companion. The hint of blood and mild spice mix made the bite very tasty as both women smiled at our accepting being served by their own hands.
“Drink.” The other woman stated as we finished chewing. A cup was placed upon our lips a gently lifted to allow the sweet liquid into our mouth. I quickly adjusted to this very intimate serving of a meal and drink that was delicious and satisfying but not intoxicating, in my case. I could see the blush of mild drunkenness flush Hawke’s cheeks but I sense no alcohol nor other intoxicants within my food and drink. The woman closest to me leaned in close to my ear.
“No fear, the cavalier will sleep very well tonight without ill effects while our Mistress has the most friendly time with you.” she whispered in my ear. She pulled back to give me a quick wink and a full lipped smile.
“Will you reveal what this is about?” I purred at her knowing Hawke was being removed from the equation.
“Your name is what has Mistress Rouge intrigued and best if Hawke does not add falsehoods to your truth.” she replied softly. She ran the back of her fingers along my cheek. “And maybe I will be allowed to have you cuddled at my bussom for the best night sleep either of us will ever have.” she continued slowly. Her tone hinted at seduction but held back from fully indulging in this possibility. “Unless the Mistress decides to keep you for herself.” she added with a hint of a frown.
The meal proceeded in this fashion between bite of food and sips of drink while the entertainment flowed on a small stage that was before our table. Exotic dancers hinting at bare flesh hidden by fans and thin silken scarfs moved to cause arousal within the bar styled house of ill repute. I could see clearly how this affected the other patrons present even upon Hawke himself, but none of it seemed to touch me. It felt odd to me since I was old enough to have these reactions but I felt perfectly removed from sensing arousal within myself. The sips for Hawke had become mouth serving directly from the woman at his side. My hand servant smiled but simply held the cup to my lips not even daring to attempt a liquid kiss as her opposite did to the cavalier.
“You obey your mistress well.” I remarked softly. Her touch upon my cheek and arm was soft, gentle, and pleasing but only hinted at what more could be possible if she was given permission. “I do find it odd that no alcohol or other mood enhancing herbs are being used upon me.” I commented casually.
“The Mistress wishes you are clear of mind and in full control of your emotions, Kestrel.” she answered easily. Her voice was no longer a whisper but still soft over the music and noise of the happy patrons. She still smiled and touched my arm but her stance was more relaxed and not pushing the level of intimacy to increase. “And Hawke is a special case since no matter how aroused he becomes, there is only one woman he would allow claiming him and she is far from here.” she supplied with a softer more friendly smile. “My sister and me can only dream of the chance to be truly with him outside of sleeping entwine with him between us.” she admitted glancing at Hawke. A soft purring chuckle escaped me as I saw the look in her eyes as she watched her sister and the cavalier touching each other in a gentle loving way. “Yes, it’s a foolish thought since his heart can never be won again.” she added nearly inaudibly.
“I will have to remind him his on words to myself.” I replied giving her a wink. “As for the one that has touched my heart, she will either die of old age in my arms or live a lesser life upon Atlantis.” I continued with a soft sad smile. She turned fully towards me and ran her fingertips along my furry head. “A cannot force a noble and honorable Queen to that cursed a life because of love.” I purred out under my breath. My eyes nearly closed from her gentle touch on my scalp enjoying her gentle but simple touch.
“It seems you have understood that my girls treat our patrons how they truly wish to be treated and nothing more.” Rouge’s voice had me slowly opening my eyes. My servant’s hand retreated hesitantly from my head and arm. “Bring Hawke up to his room and give him a good night.” she ordered in the most gentle and kind voice I’ve ever heard spoken. “Follow me to the private lounge the other Kestrel, I wish to speak to you about, enjoyed the most.” she requested looking down upon me. “Please?” she added in a whisper for my ears only. She held out her hand to me opened palm and finger outstretched. As my hand touched hers, her fingers entwined with mine as she easily helped me to my feet. She ran the fingers of her other hand gently over my head in a petting motion before leading me to a back room half hidden behind the main serving board.
“I know only one other being named Kestrel and I am unsure if my Lord is the one you speak of.” I reported to her slowly and hesitantly. “May I know which race you truly are since my nose and eyes see demonic traces.” I added before taking the seat beside her upon a large stylish divan.
“Your perceptive skills are correct in the fact that I am a demoness but not the succubi type that usually work in, or own, this type of business.” she easily admitted. She pushed her flaming red hair to tuck it behind her double set of horns that curved from her forehead towards the back of her head. She gave me an open mouthed smile showing her sharp triangular teeth, fangs, and forked tongue. “And I do not have a tail which is a succubi trait.” she continued in a huskier voice. She no longer tried hiding her inhuman features that were so easily blended into a human guise nearly flawlessly. “The Dread Bird Kestrel has gained another Atlantian companion to equal a team of five if all together.” she added as the mischievous sparkle returned to her glowing red eyes.
“Dread Bird?” I asked confused realizing the truth. It was Lord Kestrel she which to discuss and she knew he had Meli, Sert Cole, and now myself in his retinue. “I have never heard him called by that name before.” I admitted now looking at her closer. She giggled as she reached out to play with the fur along my head. I was about to protest but a lone hot finger touched my lips.
“Hush kitten, and let me pet you, please?” she whispered to me making my words die in my throat. I nodded as her nailed fingertips continued gently running from the front to the back of my head ruffling my fur. “I see why both of you enjoyed this so much.” she whispered with a hint of amazement in her voice. “You share his eye color of honey touched amber.” she continued in that amazed whispering tones. I sat frozen unable to resist this ministration lavished upon me. A soft peck touched my cheeks and forehead before she finally puled back. “Thank you, that was exquisite.” she added finally leaning back from me.
“Why was that so important for you to do that?” I asked in a squeaky voice. “It was pleasant but slightly odd at this moment.” I continued in a quicker and more confident voice. “And you have not explained the Dread Bird reference to Lord Kestrel.” I added a hint of annoyance and anger in my tones.
“It’s the other side of the coin to his Meakita persona.” she answered casually. “Where Meakita is him acting the part of a noble hero, the Dread Bird Kestrel does the violent and questionable actions sometimes required in this world.” she explained in a slow and calm voice. “I must presume that, as Lord Kestrel, he has the freedom to utilize any mean possible to accomplish his mission since it is understandably noble and honorable, correct?” she added tilting her head. The mischievous gleam was gone and her smile was more casual and friendly than before.
“Yes.” I interjected quickly. “Be it protecting Atlantis with a compassionate hand or a violent sword.” I admitted slowly. In my mind I remembered the screams of madness from the traitorous fairy being punished in the most cruel way possible. “He can be a monster if needed to protect what he sees as righteous.” I added with a shudder. Her eyes crinkled with worry or concern at my shivered out words.
“His powers surpasses anything that exist here.” she said softly. “But I am happy he has found a good place to live with enough peace to not hide his truer self.” she continued with a half smile. “He has been in this world since it begun so learn from his omnipotent knowledge.” she advised me softly. Before I could react, she had pulled me into a tight embrace. “Sleep safely in my arms you sweet innocent kitten.” she added in my ear. My head rested on her ample warm cleavage while her hands ran fingertips along my back. The leather armor did not prevent her touch upon my furry back as sleep pulled me into the darkness of her gentle embrace. My eyes flicked before finally closing as I drifted asleep cuddled upon her lap like a tamed house cat.
No comments:
Post a Comment